Well, Lang has made a very smart move, IMO. Since there is no firm offer from the Packers, he has decided to publicly declare his interest in testing the market. At the same time, he makes it clear he would prefer staying with the PAckers, giving them the right of first refusal. So, he gets to have his cake and eat it, too. Though, on second thought, why would another team offer him a contract, going through all the rigamarole of fitting him within the cap, etc., only to have him go back to the Packers for less money?

Soon, there will probably be at least one or two teams who check him out, and make him an offer. The amounts will leak, and we'll all have a chance to decide whether we would pay that much for Lang. Or try to keep Tretter. Or let both of them walk, and hope the replacement for Lang would be as smooth as the "change of guard" with Sitton.

Then again, there might literally be another unexpected "changing of the guard" again this offseason. Because Patrick sounds hungry and eager to play

Oops, originally forgot the link. Multitasking is just another word for doing more than one thing poorly at the same time:

I am afraid we will see TJ in purple and white next season. The Vikings have made no secret about looking for some OL help and to add a top G along with having another longtime Packer join them just seems to be the writing on the wall. Wouldn't even be a shocker if it is one of the very first moves that occurs once free agency begins.

49ers also in serious need of a starting quality guard.....his veteran smarts and tough guy demeanour would go down very well in an organisation trying to change a bad team.....and they have stupid amounts of money.

Logged

(ricky) "Personally, I'm putting this in a box, driving a stake through its heart, firing a silver bullet into its (empty) head, nailing it shut, loading it into a rocket and firing it into the sun. "

I’d certainly hope the Packers have the decorum to at the least have a conversation with TJ and his agent, even if it’s only as a show of respect. He’s earned that!

I’ve already stated I hope they bring him back. They need somebody on that O-Line to be “the Enforcer!” If TJ leaves I’d look for Linsley to step into that role.

The Packers have talked with his agent. That much is clear. The question is, will other teams offer a "poison pill" contract? The Vikings did this to the Seahawks, offering Steve Hutchinson a huge contract, which Seattle declined to match. This could be the sticking point- that another team will simply make Lang an offer he can't refuse. And which the Packers would refuse to match.

I think teams that really want him no how to get him away from the Packers. Find out what he's worth, then offer him more. TT will not get involved. I hope I'm wrong. We should pay him as a top 5 guard.

I would rather have Lang than Tretter, because of the injury issues, but we don't know the extent of Lang's last operation. If another team really wants him and overpays him....TT let's him walk.There will be disruption on the offense until that position is solidified, and the replacement is probably already on the team.

I think teams that really want him no how to get him away from the Packers. Find out what he's worth, then offer him more. TT will not get involved. I hope I'm wrong. We should pay him as a top 5 guard.

You are confusing UFA with Ted signing his own. He had no problem giving Bakhtiari a huge contract. he does pay his own.

Wouldn't pay him as a top 5 guard. He is an aging veteran battling injuries through out his career. Nope pass. He may have a few good seasons left in the tank but top 5 money for a guy on the downside of his career would be reckless IMO. Want him back but at a reasonable number. Otherwise we'll have to go young and hope a guy steps up.

Ted Thompson on re-signing some of the Packers key free agents before the market opens: "Over the years, we've been able to sign a bunch of our guys right before (free agency opens). My guess is that's what's going to happen."Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff Writer

There is going to be a lot of money thrown around this offseason with the amount of available cap space there is all over the NFL. IMO if Lang isn't extended by the 7th, we should plan on him not being here next year. He's going to be expensive and I'm not sure Thompson is going to spend that kind of money on a Guard. Guards seem to be getting more and more expensive as the top guys are all signing new deals making 10+ million a year.